Diarmaid Ward

Board Member

While serving as Executive Member for Housing & Development at London Borough of Islington, Diarmaid held the position of elected Councillor, overseeing all housing and residential planning matters. His responsibilities included the management and maintenance of 25,000 homes, spearheading a £150 million major works program. Additionally, Diarmaid led initiatives addressing homelessness and directed a substantial £252 million new build council homes program, aiming to deliver 550 homes by 2022.

Leading on policy, strategy and campaigning matters, Diarmaid secured a landmark High Court ruling mandating at least 50% genuinely affordable homes at Parkhurst Road, establishing a national precedent against developers' avoidance of social housing commitments through land overpayments. Negotiating a commitment of 60% genuinely affordable homes, including at least 42% social rent homes, at the Holloway Prison site was one of his significant achievements.

Diarmaid coordinated the formulation of Islington Labour’s Manifesto for the 2022 Council Elections and spearheaded successful campaigns against the Tenant Tax and the ‘StopTheSellOff’ of council homes. Additionally, Diarmaid prevailed in a planning battle with a developer over the Ministry of Justice-owned Wellington Mews flats, ensuring adherence to Islington Council’s policy mandating at least 50% genuinely affordable homes.

Diarmaid exemplifies a steadfast commitment to advocating for affordable housing and equitable development practices, leaving a lasting impact on the community and setting a standard for progressive housing policies nationwide.